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Rooth: Patio music appeal frustrating, but legal

A few months ago I spent a little time in Montreal for a conference. The weather had warmed up nicely and the patios were open and filled with people enjoying the clear skies and the company. You could hear the music from musicians fall slightly in the background behind clinking glasses and laughter. It wasn't overpowering, it was enticing. Walking through the streets you felt engaged with the city like this was the only place to be. There's something very magical about music and embracing it outdoors. Whether it's a symphony concert or a rock festival, music is for everyone and you will find your place within it, unless it's London and you want to sit on a patio to hear it. That’s because a very small handful of fun-suckers have filed an appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) regarding the unanimous decision by this municipality to allow amplified music at night in the city on bars and restaurant patios, with a permit system.

AnnaMaria Valastro, a long-time downtown resident, is one name on the appeal and she has been quite outspoken on her right to object to this decision. When questioned by the London Free Press, her comments included, “London (city hall) is immature and out of step with other, big cities. They’re unsophisticated when it comes to planning and how to make an urban environment livable.” I find this comment fascinating, especially after experiencing the vibrancy of a 375-year-old city with four million people that allows music on their patios. Certainly that's not the only appeal of Montreal, but it is one very small part that makes it a culturally vibrant city. It seems to be a pretty livable urban environment, too.

This bylaw keeps decibel levels on patios at 70, which is equal to the sound a dishwasher makes. It is not what some might consider extreme, like a concert in the park where you have a very large space to fill and a crowd to appease. These are two very different venues with distinct needs and laws to follow.

Allowing amplified music on patios has far reaching benefits. From increased staffing and more opportunities for local musicians to play, it creates a welcoming atmosphere. It tells visitors and those who don't frequent downtown that we are open for business and that business is entertainment. Claiming, as Ms. Valastro has, that events like Rock The Park, which brings thousands of people to the core together to celebrate and raise money for charity, is a "an open, festering sore" that "hijacks" Harris Park is not only inaccurate but extremely small-minded. However, that is her opinion and she is entitled to it.

Cities have to evolve if they want to survive. London is slowly evolving, whether you like it or not. Regardless of how long you've lived in your neighbourhood, things are going to change eventually. We have to expect it no matter which neighbourhood we live in.

While I disagree with Ms. Valastro vehemently, as do thousands of others, she has a right to appeal. Just as we all do. That is the system that is set up for us. It's frustrating and often a gaping black hole to throw money into. I can't see how the OMB will rule in her favour when it is a unanimous decision by council, but we shall see how this all plays out.

Regardless of what side of the fence we're on, for this issue or any issue, we still have to live together. It's my understanding that Ms. Valastro has been threatened for speaking out and filing her appeal. This is never OK. When we threaten violence, we are not creating positive solutions or providing education. The only thing people learn from fear is to fear everyone. We can't tell people to stand up for what they believe is right and then tell them to sit down and shut up, or else, when we don't agree with them. That's not how democracy or freedom of speech works. It's not how London works. We're better than that. Or at least, we should be.